Haryana Cabinet clears key amendments to Sikh Gurdwara Management Act

In a significant move aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of Sikh gurdwaras in Haryana, the state Cabinet on Thursday approved amendments to the Haryana Sikh Gurdwaras (Management) Act, 2014. The revised law vests wide-ranging powers in a Judicial Commission, which will now oversee critical matters, including property disputes, committee governance, and service issues.

Commission's civil court powers

Section   Power/protection

46B   Commission has civil court powers

46C   Bars jurisdiction of other civil courts

46D   Good faith protection for Commission actions

46F   Commission members deemed public servants

46G   Commission orders enforced like civil decrees

Gurdwara declaration categories

Schedule  Category     Criteria

I     Historical     Recognised for religious/historical significance

II    Notified       Annual income ₹20 lakh or more

III   Local     Other local Sikh places of worship

Appeal & enforcement

Appeals against the orders of the Commission can be filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court within 90 days,

Law applied: Limitation Act

Enforcement: Orders treated as civil court decrees

Two Boxes:

Monsoon session from Aug 22

The Cabinet has decided to convene the next session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha from August 22. The duration of the session will be finalised by the Business Advisory Committee.

‘Lado Lakshmi’ portal soon

The Chief Minister said an action plan is being finalised for the Lado Lakshmi Yojana, aimed at empowering the girl child. A dedicated portal for the scheme will be launched shortly.

According to the amendment, Section 17(2)(c) — which previously allowed the gurdwara committee to remove its members — has been omitted. The authority to remove or suspend members on grounds of misconduct will now lie with the Judicial Commission under the revised Section 46.

“The amendments will ensure a clear, legal structure for the declaration and management of gurdwaras, and bring in judicial oversight for more transparent governance,” a government spokesperson said.

The newly reconstituted Judicial Commission will have exclusive jurisdiction over issues such as voter eligibility, disqualifications, service matters of gurdwara employees, and selection and appointments in gurdwara committees.

Any appeals against its decisions can be made to the Punjab and Haryana High Court within 90 days, with provisions of the Limitation Act applicable.

In an important inclusion, Section 46 empowers the Commission to adjudicate disputes related to gurdwara property, misuse of funds, and internal conflicts. It may also act suo motu in cases where it suspects misappropriation or potential damage to gurdwara assets. It can issue temporary injunctions to safeguard such properties.

To support its enhanced role, new Sections 46A to 46N have been introduced, conferring the Commission powers equivalent to a civil court (46B), barring jurisdiction of regular courts (46C), and protecting members from liability for acts done in good faith (46D). Commission orders will be enforceable like civil court decrees (46G), and its members will be deemed public servants (46F).

The amendment also outlines a structured process for declaring and managing Sikh gurdwaras under newly inserted Sections 55 to 55N. Gurdwaras will be classified into three types — Historical (Schedule I), Notified (Schedule II), with annual income of Rs 20 lakh or more, and Local (Schedule III).

A petition to declare a gurdwara as Sikh gurdwara can be filed by 100 or more adult Sikh worshippers, while objections can be raised by any interested party, including hereditary office holders. The final decision will rest with the Judicial Commission, which will assess the religious and historical significance of the gurdwara.

The law also clarifies ownership and control of gurdwara property, allowing presumptions based on land records, income usage, or maintenance history. The Commission will be empowered to order possession, direct changes in revenue records, consolidate similar disputes and award costs as necessary.